Within just a few months of the birth of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s daughter Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana Mountbatten-Windsor in June 2021, rumours were already circulating that her parents were thinking of a possible christening in the UK and had their hearts set on Windsor.
But one pandemic, a controversial memoir and the Queen's death later, it's little surprise that plans have since changed. Now 21 months old, it has been reported that Lilibet's long-anticipated christening has taken place in California.
Here's everything we know so far:
Where did Lili’s christening take place?
After initial speculation that Lili would be christened in the UK, People has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have instead held a christening for their daughter in California.
In a statement obtained by the US magazine, a spokesperson confirmed the news, saying: 'I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3 by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor.'
The news comes as a surprise to many, who were hoping the couple would follow royal tradition for the occasion. Children of the British Royal Family are christened following the Holy Baptism of the Church of England, of which Queen Elizabeth II is the Supreme Governor. In the CofE church, there is no specified minimum or maximum age for having a child christened, but it's commonplace for the majority to be baptised as a baby.
In recent years, royal christenings have taken place in Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.
Who was invited to Lili's christening?
A full list of attendees to Lilibet's christening has not yet been revealed, and unsurprisingly, there have been no photos released by the notoriously private family.
According to People, however, a source said that Harry and Meghan had 'extended an invite to King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton, but they were not in attendance.'
Another insider told the publication that 'there were between 20-30 guests at Friday's intimate gathering, including Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, Lilibet's godfather, Tyler Perry, and an unnamed godmother.'
'Following the ceremony, attendees were treated to an afternoon of food and dancing — with Archie enjoying a dance with his little sister!' People reported.
What rumours have there been about Lili's christening?
Back in 2021, soon after Lilibet was born, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's rep reportedly gave a rare statement about the couple's christening plans, noting the pair's plans weren't finalised, despite 'sources' claiming that their baby would be baptised in England.
According to the couple's' spokesperson, they said, via The Daily Mail, that decisions regarding Lili’s christening were still being made and that any other claims are 'mere speculation'.
Earlier in the same summer The Daily Mail reported that the Duke of Sussex made his ‘intentions clear’ during his visit to London earlier this month that he and Markle want their daughter's christening to take place in Windsor.
On July 1 Prince Harry was joined by his older brother Prince William for his late mother Princess Diana's statue unveiling at Kensington Palace. The occasion marked the first time since the late Prince Philip's funeral that the brothers had been seen together in public since the Sussexes left the UK to permanently live in Montecito, California last March.
‘Harry told several people that they want to have Lili christened in Windsor, just like her brother,' a source reportedly told the publication. ‘They are happy to wait until circumstances allow.’
Where did Archie’s christening take place?
The tot’s older brother Archie’s christening took place in the Private Chapel in Windsor Castle, officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, two months after his birth on July 6.
An announcement sharing news of the christening read:
‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are so happy to share the joy of this day with members of the public who have been incredibly supportive since the birth of their son. They thank you for your kindness in welcoming their first born and celebrating this special moment. Their Royal Highnesses feel fortunate to have enjoyed this day with family and the godparents of Archie.’
For the day, Archie sported a handmade replica of the royal christening gown worn by royal babies for the 11 years prior.
‘The original Royal Christening Robe, made of fine Honiton lace lined with white satin, was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1841 and first worn by her eldest daughter. It was subsequently worn for generations of Royal christenings, including The Queen, her children and her grandchildren until 2004, when The Queen commissioned this handmade replica, in order for the fragile historic outfit to be preserved, and for the tradition to continue,’ read a caption on the @sussexroyal Instagram account accompanying two pictures from the christening.
Prince Charles, Markle’s mother Doria Ragland, the late Princess Diana's sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Prince William, Kate Middleton and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall feature in one snap, taken in Windsor castle's Green Drawing Room , where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's official wedding pictures in 2018 were also taken.
A black and white photo, taken in the site’s Rose Garden, shows Archie in his mother’s arms while Prince Harry looks at his family.
We'll continue to update this piece as more news comes in.
Baby Shower Gifts: 29 Presents The New Parents In Your Life Will Actually Thank You For
